This item can be purchased from Lowe's Archery Emporium in Varrock, the Armoury at Lathas Training Grounds (members only), the Bow and Arrow Salesman at the Ranging Guild (members only), and Hickton's Archery Emporium in Catherby (members only). It can also be fletched (members only).

This item is used as a weapon for low level rangers. Shortbows can shoot slightly faster than longbows, but they cannot shoot as far. Can also be used to light fires if you have completed the relevant sections of the barbarian training.

Notes:

This item can be fletched by cutting a normal log into an unstrung shortbow, and then adding a bowstring, which requires level 5 Fletching (members only). There are no requirements to wear this item.